We won’t get deep into the science other than to say that salt water is a much better conductor, or accelerator, of the chemical (and electrical) reactions. You’ve also probably seen this last time you visited an ocean, but to the contrary, not so much here in the dry desert.

In the free radical theory of aging, aging occurs because cells accumulate what is called free radical, or oxidation, damage over time.

Free radicals are rogue molecules that disrupt chemical reactions occurring in the cells of every tissue in your body. These molecules can also be produced from the digestion of food or acquired from the outside environment and toxin exposure.

Once there is a little hidden crack in the cartilage, meniscus, or other tissues, free radicals are released causing daily oxidative damage, or rusting, of the joint.

This damage will continually alter the chemical makeup of cells within the body, compromising optimal function, unless you do something about it.

Back in Michigan when spring rolled around, I would sand down the rust, prime, paint, and seal the damage in hopes my car would better survive the next winter.

If only it was that easy with your joints!

That essentially is what is tried with surgery for mild to moderate joint pain. A little sanding and smoothing here and there, but there is really no way to prime, paint, and seal the damage.

So what does that mean for your joints long-term?

The same as leaving bare metal on your car exposed to the oxidation onslaught of the next winter. Not a good scenario. I guarantee you will have even more rust to deal with then the prior year. Likewise, the oxidation reactions and degeneration of your joints is actually accelerated.

So what can you do today to prevent the rusting of your joints?

Start boosting the anti-oxidants in your nutrition.

Antioxidants offset the accumulation of free radicals, oxidation, and can inhibit the “rusting” of your joint tissues.

The antioxidant capacity of different foods and supplements are rated in ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) units or given an “ORAC score”.1 Plant-based living foods – fruits and vegetables – are rich in flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamins, and provide both anti-inflammatory and the highest anti-oxidant potential on the ORAC scale. 2

[Now alternatively you can eat living animal-based foods, but most would see that as a questionable practice, and one not particularly high in ORAC value!]

Certain herbs and spices have the highest ORAC value by weight than any other food. Adding a good mix of these into your diet daily will help dramatically decrease free radicals, inflammation and pain.

This seems pretty obvious right? A wide array of daily antioxidants from fruits and vegetables will help reduce oxidation and inflammation in your joints.

The problem according to a CDC report last year was that only 1 out of 10 Americans eat enough servings of fruits and vegetables daily. 4 Not enough for maintenance of health, let alone treatment of joint oxidation and inflammation.

Heck, even I am guilty of not getting my 9 servings every day. (P.S. Yes, it is recommended that you eat 9 servings per day for optimal health)

In addition to eating a pile of colorful fruits and vegetables daily, I’ve been recommending (and taking) a supplement called Repair Guard for the past year.

Formulated to enhance the innate function of the immune system, by decreasing inflammation and free radical oxidation, it can be a much healthier substitute for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Remember that NSAIDS work by blocking particular enzymes (in the cyclooxygenase system) in the body, but these very enzymes have a necessary role working as a catalyst for the body to repair itself.

On the other hand, this supplement is a potent anti-oxidant formula that is able to help optimize your body’s ability to combat free radical oxidation for prompt relief and assist in the repair of joint structure (collagen) and flexibility (elastin).

Quercetin dihydrate (1000 mg): The safest and most easily absorbed form of quercetin. The body only assimilates about 1% of most forms of quercetin, yet it easily absorbs 100% of monomeric quercetin dihydrate

OPC flavonols (10 mg): Orthoproanthocyanidins (OPCs) are known to provide cellular resiliency to stress, inflammation, and help with connective tissue repair. OPCs can be absorbed into cell membranes, protecting against both fat- and water-soluble free radicals. OPCs are also able to cross the blood-brain barrier to protect the brain against oxidative stress and free-radical damage.

When tested, it was found to have an ORAC value of 485,600 per 100 grams!

This is much higher than the well-known antioxidant rich foods such as mangosteen (2510), dark cherry (6800), tart cheery juice (12,100), or prunes (8059).

According to USDA criteria, a single tabsule of Repair Guard has the ORAC protection equal to a dozen portions of fruits and vegetables.

This is potent stuff, and is far safer and healthier than daily anti-inflammatory medications. More importantly, this is working strategically on the underlying damage, rather than painting over the rust like most “arthritis medications”.

If your joints ache, or your are looking to prevent the slow rusting of your joints like a car in a Michigan winter, using this supplement can be very beneficial.

Latetia Moore, epidemiologist, Obesity Prevention and Control Branch, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Jordana Turkel, R.D., LDN, CDE, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York City; Joy Dubost, registered dietitian, Washington, D.C., and spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; July 10, 2015, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This information or product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should always consult with your health care provider before taking any new supplement.